Get ready to experience the ultimate comfort food mashup with this Spaghetti Stuffed Garlic Bread! This crowd-pleasing creation combines two beloved classics – tender spaghetti and buttery garlic bread – into one irresistible dish that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining, this fun twist on traditional spaghetti elevates a simple meal into something special. The crispy, garlicky exterior gives way to a warm, cheesy pasta filling that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This
- It’s a creative way to transform leftover spaghetti into something exciting and new
- The combination of textures – crunchy bread and tender pasta – creates a delightful eating experience
- Kids absolutely love the fun presentation and familiar flavors
- Everything can be prepped ahead of time for a stress-free dinner
- It’s easily customizable with different pasta sauces or cheese blends
Ingredients
- 16 ounce Italian bread loaf
- Butter & garlic powder for bread
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound ground sausage
- 16 ounce tomato sauce
- 6 ounce tomato paste
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 7 ounce uncooked spaghetti
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, divided in half
- ⅔ cup mozzarella cheese, divided in half
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning, generous
- 1 teaspoon salt + a pinch
- ½ teaspoon minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. In a large saucepan, boil spaghetti until al dente. Remove from heat and drain.
- While pasta is cooking, brown beef and sausage in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion while browning meat. When brown, drain excess fat and return to skillet. Add tomato sauce, paste, Italian seasoning, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well and simmer for 5-8 minutes. Add cooked pasta, mix well, and remove from heat.
- While meat sauce is simmering, cut the Italian bread loaf in half using a bread knife. Carve out the middle of each half to create large hollows. Brush insides with butter and sprinkle with garlic powder. Toast in oven until lightly golden.
- When bread is toasted, spoon the prepared spaghetti and meat sauce into the hollow of each half, filling completely. Top with cheeses – half of each cheese for each loaf.
- Bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes or until cheese is melted and golden. Remove from oven and gently cut with a bread knife to serve.
Tips & Variations
- Make it vegetarian by skipping the ground beef or substituting with sautéed mushrooms or plant-based meat alternatives
- Try using different pasta shapes like fettuccine or penne for unique texture variations
- Add vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or olives to the pasta mixture for extra nutrition
- For extra flavor, mix in 1-2 tablespoons of pesto with the spaghetti sauce
- If your bread is getting too brown but needs more cooking time, cover it loosely with foil
- Prepare the stuffed bread ahead of time and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve
Serving Suggestions
This hearty Spaghetti Stuffed Garlic Bread pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness. For a complete Italian-inspired meal, serve alongside roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant.
A small bowl of extra marinara sauce on the side makes a perfect dipping option for those who love extra sauce with their pasta bread!
Notes
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
- Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes to maintain the crispy texture
- The bread is done when the exterior is golden brown and crispy, and the filling is heated through
- Save the hollowed-out bread pieces to make breadcrumbs or croutons for another meal
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the entire dish up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it wrapped in foil. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
What’s the best bread to use?
A sturdy Italian or French loaf works best as it holds its shape well and has a good crust-to-soft-interior ratio. Avoid very soft bread that might get soggy.
Can I freeze this dish?
While you can freeze it, the texture of the bread may change slightly upon thawing. If freezing, wrap tightly in foil and plastic wrap, and use within 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
How do I prevent the bread from getting soggy?
Make sure your pasta isn’t too wet when you add it to the bread. Drain it well and don’t use too much sauce. The garlic butter coating also helps create a barrier against moisture.
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